I was born and brought up in Anstruther, a fishing village in the 'East Neuk' of Fife in Scotland. Though returning often to my homeland, I have lived in the North West of England for half my life. I am married, with a son and daughter, and now 2 lovely grand daughters! I was educated at Waid Academy, Anstruther, Fife, and took an Honours degree in Astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh. I entered the teaching profession, and have taught Science, mainly Physics, for all my working life. I have recently taken early retirement from the post of Head of Science at Penketh High School near Warrington, and am teaching part time at Tower College in Rainhill, Merseyside Other interests: Having opted to teach instead of becoming a professional astronomer, I maintain a deep interest in Astronomy. I have built telescopes, observed and photographed the night sky, and have taught Astronomy in adult education, on and off, for many years. I now have a small observatory in the back garden!
I have been writing poetry for some years now, though it tends to be overshadowed by my painting activities. I have had many poems, including a collected booklet, published, and have won several competitions, most notably the Cardiff International in 1993. I have a novel on www.pabd.com. I am passionate about cricket, despite being Scottish, and play guitar.
Though Fife still remains a never-ending source of pictures, a recent inspiration is the magical city of Venice, especially its carnival figures, and the exotic costumes and colours of japanese geishas.
I complete about 70-100 paintings a year. I have exhibited regularly in the North West of England, where I live now, but Fife remains my main inspiration and my real home. I have had 10 solo exhibitions at the Pittenweem Arts Festival in August, an event which has finally, and deservedly, reached the national press and the BBC. As well as England and Scotland, my paintings are in personal collections abroad, including Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and the USA, most notably in the home of Michael Steele, ex bass player with the Bangles
Hi Colin,
Just to say it was really lovely to meet you today!
I’m so glad I had the opportunity to see your work… I loved it - fantastic! I feel really inspired to try some sunsets using oils now… I can but try (although I might leave it a while till I experiment with pigment and linseed oil…! - Not brave enough!)
All the best!
Catriona
hi catriona
it was nice to meet u too! ty for u kind words. i have been looking at ur site too, and love ur sizzling sunsets! also u can do portraits, which i can’t!
that is great that u r going to try makingoils, please consut me for help!
r u on facebook or msn? i like talking to people and staying in touch, esp as on those things i am not deaf..
eileen says u may be thinking of exhibiting at the church wher ei am using the garage. that would b good to have another artist there, it would help us both. it is a ibt far form the centre, compared to where u r now, but still worth looking into.
hope we can keep in touch now!
colin x
Hi Colin!
SO sorry I’ve not been back in touch sooner… It’s been a bit of a mad time lately. I’ve been desperately trying to finish a rather overdue commission of pictorial maps of a local graveyard… Yes, a graveyard! Actually it’s been really interesting! It’s steeped in history but I feel a little “gravestoned out” at the moment! Been trying to get some more work together too for an upcoming exhibition at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Anyway, enough of my lame excuses, how are you? I hope you are well and creating more of your lovely paintings!
I’m really glad you like my sunsets - thank you! I’ve just set up another wee website (one that’s easier to update regularly) so I’ll be putting up some of my new work there. The address is http://www.catrionamaceachen.com
I used to be on Facebook but I closed my account a few months ago. I’d love to stay in touch though, so please use my personal email address attached.
Best wishes,
Catriona X
Hi Colin!
SO sorry I’ve not been back in touch sooner… It’s been a bit of a mad time lately. I’ve been desperately trying to finish a rather overdue commission of pictorial maps of a local graveyard… Yes, a graveyard! Actually it’s been really interesting! It’s steeped in history but I feel a little “gravestoned out” at the moment! Been trying to get some more work together too for an upcoming exhibition at Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Anyway, enough of my lame excuses, how are you? I hope you are well and creating more of your lovely paintings!
I’m really glad you like my sunsets - thank you! I’ve just set up another wee website (one that’s easier to update regularly) so I’ll be putting up some of my new work there. The address is http://www.catrionamaceachen.com
I used to be on Facebook but I closed my account a few months ago. I’d love to stay in touch though, so please use my personal email address attached.
Best wishes,
Catriona X